Anti-Mortem may be a young & budding metal band but its members are showcasing maturity that you can hardly find at any band of their age. After a few years of hard work the time to reap the benefits has finally come. We caught up with the band’s guitarist Zain Smith, so as to learn all about this young band which is gonna bother us all the more in the future.
Hey Zain! “New Southern” is a spending album by all means! I’m glad we’re given the chance to talk about it…
Z: For sure this record has been in the making for a long time and it is finally here I’m glad to release this killer debut to the masses!
First of all, I’d like to know what the “Omega” album is all about and why the “New Southern” is regarded as your debut album. Was “Omega” your self-released attempt to make your presence known to the music world or what?
Z: “Omega” was an album we did as 14-15 year olds and it was done in Nashville cost us an outrageous amount of money for us to only get older and realize that we got screwed out of all this money for a product that wasn’t very good so we met Provo from everybody panic and he recorded us locally and got really good demos that got us signed but “Omega” was a very early young attempt at an album.
Also, “New Southern” features “Stagnant Water” which was also in the “Omega” album. Why did you choose to re-record and add this track on “New Southern”?
Z: “Stagnant Water” has been a song since Rado was 12 and it has made it this far by good reviews and fans loving it. We have recorded that song actually a total of 6 times.
How did the contract with Nuclear Blast occur? Was it something that you were expecting to happen sometime soon – to sign with a major label – or it took you by surprise?
Z: Well it was always our goal to get signed and be able to make a profession out of our music and we just kept playing and playing and meeting people but we got in touch with Monte Connor from Roadrunner and now he is at Nuclear Blast Entertainment through Steev Esquivel from Skinlab/Dedvolt he and Monte go way back and he pitched us there and we have been close with Monte and his team for 2-3 years now.
So what is the “New Southern” all about? What does the album title declare?
Z: It means a style of life, we love what we do and want true music to come back to life!
Do give us a hint about each track…
Z: “Words of Wisdom”: Heavy low tuned guitars with a strong message!
“New Southern”: Title track really groovy and bluesy…
“100% Pure American Rage”: Our single that is at radio now has a super powerful message…
“Hate Automatic”: This is one of my personal favorites because of the lyrics and how the song came about can’t say out loud if you want to know come talk to me in person and ask me the story.
“Black Heartbeat” is a slower more melodic sound lyrics are about relationships but an angry take on them!
“I Get Along With the Devil”: B flat tuned guitars and the heaviest song on the record!
“Path to Pain” starts with a bang ends with a bang!
“Wake Up” is all about the message read the lyrics and change the world!
“Ride of Your Life”: The faster track on the record with killer solos…
“Stagnant Water”: The song that’s made it our whole careers from day one…
“Truck Stop Special”: Great southern sound that we discovered to me it’s very unique and original.
“Jonesboro”: Also another song written with the southern style we found and it is amazing…
How did you decide to cover Mr.Big’s “A Little Too Loose”? One should expect a cover close to the band’s influences… but you did that track in your own style. Very good cover indeed.
Z: I found that song doing some work on my computer and I was going album to album by different artists and I ran across lean into it by Mr. Big and first of all let me say this Paul Gilbert, Billy Sheehan. Also the song mentioned Oklahoma City and not to mention it had a killer sound.
Also, the album’s production is amazingly heavy & tight. I guess the well-known producer Bob Marlette (Black Stone Cherry, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Shinedown, Rob Zombie) should take all the credits huh? How is it to work with such a celebrated producer?
Z: He did have a huge part of it but we tracked a lot of it and got the good takes etc. but Bob is awesome we learned a lot of things working with him!
You have already released two videos; for “100% Pure American Rage” & “Stagnant Water” and a lyric video for “Words of Wisdom”. Are there any thoughts of releasing a new video anytime soon and for which track? I think “Black Heartbeat” should be your next one!
Z: We haven’t talked about another video at the moment because the record just dropped and “100%” is our single so nothing yet but I can promise if we do it won’t be “Black Heartbeat”… (haha) good song but we are into the heavy tracks so we can rock faces off.
Since I caught up with you at the beginning of your US tour with Texas Hippie Coalition, how are things so far?
Z: We have been fine made it home did a ton of radio dates and have landed more shows we have Kyng dates, Lacuna Coil dates, and also Machine Head dates we just got confirmed for July!
Your first step has been accomplished. Your official debut album is out through a major label and you get the chance to tour the world and spread the word in general. What’s next for Anti-Mortem?
Z: I think right now it’s still all about building this record and the fan base we will be touring everywhere and hopefully this thing will take off and do well more records will come for sure we never quit writing songs!
Do tell us… how did you come up with the band’s name?
Z: It was us being young and hearing the Latin term Ante Mortem and we spelled it Anti-Mortem said it was brutal and went with it (haha) we have made it more into itself though to me it means never going to die or give up we will always be a band playing music regardless of what could happen we will overcome!
Z: For sure this record has been in the making for a long time and it is finally here I’m glad to release this killer debut to the masses!
First of all, I’d like to know what the “Omega” album is all about and why the “New Southern” is regarded as your debut album. Was “Omega” your self-released attempt to make your presence known to the music world or what?
Z: “Omega” was an album we did as 14-15 year olds and it was done in Nashville cost us an outrageous amount of money for us to only get older and realize that we got screwed out of all this money for a product that wasn’t very good so we met Provo from everybody panic and he recorded us locally and got really good demos that got us signed but “Omega” was a very early young attempt at an album.
Also, “New Southern” features “Stagnant Water” which was also in the “Omega” album. Why did you choose to re-record and add this track on “New Southern”?
Z: “Stagnant Water” has been a song since Rado was 12 and it has made it this far by good reviews and fans loving it. We have recorded that song actually a total of 6 times.
How did the contract with Nuclear Blast occur? Was it something that you were expecting to happen sometime soon – to sign with a major label – or it took you by surprise?
Z: Well it was always our goal to get signed and be able to make a profession out of our music and we just kept playing and playing and meeting people but we got in touch with Monte Connor from Roadrunner and now he is at Nuclear Blast Entertainment through Steev Esquivel from Skinlab/Dedvolt he and Monte go way back and he pitched us there and we have been close with Monte and his team for 2-3 years now.
So what is the “New Southern” all about? What does the album title declare?
Z: It means a style of life, we love what we do and want true music to come back to life!
Do give us a hint about each track…
Z: “Words of Wisdom”: Heavy low tuned guitars with a strong message!
“New Southern”: Title track really groovy and bluesy…
“100% Pure American Rage”: Our single that is at radio now has a super powerful message…
“Hate Automatic”: This is one of my personal favorites because of the lyrics and how the song came about can’t say out loud if you want to know come talk to me in person and ask me the story.
“Black Heartbeat” is a slower more melodic sound lyrics are about relationships but an angry take on them!
“I Get Along With the Devil”: B flat tuned guitars and the heaviest song on the record!
“Path to Pain” starts with a bang ends with a bang!
“Wake Up” is all about the message read the lyrics and change the world!
“Ride of Your Life”: The faster track on the record with killer solos…
“Stagnant Water”: The song that’s made it our whole careers from day one…
“Truck Stop Special”: Great southern sound that we discovered to me it’s very unique and original.
“Jonesboro”: Also another song written with the southern style we found and it is amazing…
How did you decide to cover Mr.Big’s “A Little Too Loose”? One should expect a cover close to the band’s influences… but you did that track in your own style. Very good cover indeed.
Z: I found that song doing some work on my computer and I was going album to album by different artists and I ran across lean into it by Mr. Big and first of all let me say this Paul Gilbert, Billy Sheehan. Also the song mentioned Oklahoma City and not to mention it had a killer sound.
Also, the album’s production is amazingly heavy & tight. I guess the well-known producer Bob Marlette (Black Stone Cherry, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Shinedown, Rob Zombie) should take all the credits huh? How is it to work with such a celebrated producer?
Z: He did have a huge part of it but we tracked a lot of it and got the good takes etc. but Bob is awesome we learned a lot of things working with him!
You have already released two videos; for “100% Pure American Rage” & “Stagnant Water” and a lyric video for “Words of Wisdom”. Are there any thoughts of releasing a new video anytime soon and for which track? I think “Black Heartbeat” should be your next one!
Z: We haven’t talked about another video at the moment because the record just dropped and “100%” is our single so nothing yet but I can promise if we do it won’t be “Black Heartbeat”… (haha) good song but we are into the heavy tracks so we can rock faces off.
Since I caught up with you at the beginning of your US tour with Texas Hippie Coalition, how are things so far?
Z: We have been fine made it home did a ton of radio dates and have landed more shows we have Kyng dates, Lacuna Coil dates, and also Machine Head dates we just got confirmed for July!
Your first step has been accomplished. Your official debut album is out through a major label and you get the chance to tour the world and spread the word in general. What’s next for Anti-Mortem?
Z: I think right now it’s still all about building this record and the fan base we will be touring everywhere and hopefully this thing will take off and do well more records will come for sure we never quit writing songs!
Do tell us… how did you come up with the band’s name?
Z: It was us being young and hearing the Latin term Ante Mortem and we spelled it Anti-Mortem said it was brutal and went with it (haha) we have made it more into itself though to me it means never going to die or give up we will always be a band playing music regardless of what could happen we will overcome!
A few weird questions now!!! Name 3 very important metal albums of all time, according to you…
Z: “Cowboys From Hell” by Pantera…
“Sacrament/Wrath” by Lamb of God…
“Master of Puppets” by Metallica…
Do you think that funding platforms like Kicksatrter, Indiegogo etc. can give any kind of solution to the “legal downloading” matter? Can bands/artists only be supported by their fans in order to make music?
Z: It’s not the eighties anymore people don’t buy as many records from the store. At shows people still buy them but it was all the sales combined that made more money for bands but now all the money is in playing shows and busting ass. And there is no solution to it besides fans realizing that if you like a band download their stuff for free if you want to get to know it but you’re not a fan unless you buy a shirt or a CD at some point; I still make a point to buy touring bands shirts to give them fuel to go down the road. Most fans don’t think about this show is the 23rd show of the tour we are exhausted from living out of a vehicle for a month and all that doesn’t matter as long as the fans show their love it makes it all worth it. I say support local music!
How do you see the “free downloading issue” of our time? In a world where people easily download music for free and hardly pay for it what can we do in order to change things? Is it different now that you can see things on the inside?
Z: Yes like I said the only solution is for people to stop being lazy and come to a show and buy the CD and shirt that’s what it used to be about was that 1988 Metallica tour shirt you still have or whatever but people nowadays will download it and stay home to listen to you instead of getting out in the world. It’s the world cutting corners who wouldn’t take free shit all day if it was there to take. Just be a true fan of the artists you support and keep them touring by purchasing shirts and CDs…
Sex, drugs & rock & roll! Do they have any influence on today’s new bands or things are totally different? What should the rock music motto be? Views, tweets & Likes?!!
Z: Sex drugs and rock ‘n roll have been talked about too much and that’s why we are at a point where music has to change because everyone writes about the same 3 topics! The rock motto should be play the music that makes you happy and if you’re enjoying it and people see the energy you give off they will fall in love as well!
Have you ever used your “music identity” to throw a chick into bed? Do musicians get it easier and faster than the other ordinary guys or not?
Z: Again in the eighties money was everywhere and ladies too but now girls know we are starving artists (haha) no sugar daddies here!
Best pick-up line that has worked for you several times in the past?
Z: I don’t use pick-up lines they don’t work! Except Levi our drummer he pulls the “Southern boys don’t need pick-up lines we have pickup trucks”…
Porn stars vs Rock stars? Who wins & why?!
Z: Rockstars by far some are assholes and take advantage of their fame but I still think it’s cooler to play rock music for a living.
Imagine that your girlfriend is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react?
Z: That wouldn’t happen because our records are more important than rings!
I think we’re done Zain! Thx for talking to Grande Rock! I wish you the best for the future to come. Close this interview in your own words. Take care!
Z: It’s been great thanks for having me pick up “New Southern” now it came out April 29th I am very proud to call that my first debut album it’s awesome and also come out to a live show sometime we have lots of tours coming up thanks everyone!
Z: “Cowboys From Hell” by Pantera…
“Sacrament/Wrath” by Lamb of God…
“Master of Puppets” by Metallica…
Do you think that funding platforms like Kicksatrter, Indiegogo etc. can give any kind of solution to the “legal downloading” matter? Can bands/artists only be supported by their fans in order to make music?
Z: It’s not the eighties anymore people don’t buy as many records from the store. At shows people still buy them but it was all the sales combined that made more money for bands but now all the money is in playing shows and busting ass. And there is no solution to it besides fans realizing that if you like a band download their stuff for free if you want to get to know it but you’re not a fan unless you buy a shirt or a CD at some point; I still make a point to buy touring bands shirts to give them fuel to go down the road. Most fans don’t think about this show is the 23rd show of the tour we are exhausted from living out of a vehicle for a month and all that doesn’t matter as long as the fans show their love it makes it all worth it. I say support local music!
How do you see the “free downloading issue” of our time? In a world where people easily download music for free and hardly pay for it what can we do in order to change things? Is it different now that you can see things on the inside?
Z: Yes like I said the only solution is for people to stop being lazy and come to a show and buy the CD and shirt that’s what it used to be about was that 1988 Metallica tour shirt you still have or whatever but people nowadays will download it and stay home to listen to you instead of getting out in the world. It’s the world cutting corners who wouldn’t take free shit all day if it was there to take. Just be a true fan of the artists you support and keep them touring by purchasing shirts and CDs…
Sex, drugs & rock & roll! Do they have any influence on today’s new bands or things are totally different? What should the rock music motto be? Views, tweets & Likes?!!
Z: Sex drugs and rock ‘n roll have been talked about too much and that’s why we are at a point where music has to change because everyone writes about the same 3 topics! The rock motto should be play the music that makes you happy and if you’re enjoying it and people see the energy you give off they will fall in love as well!
Have you ever used your “music identity” to throw a chick into bed? Do musicians get it easier and faster than the other ordinary guys or not?
Z: Again in the eighties money was everywhere and ladies too but now girls know we are starving artists (haha) no sugar daddies here!
Best pick-up line that has worked for you several times in the past?
Z: I don’t use pick-up lines they don’t work! Except Levi our drummer he pulls the “Southern boys don’t need pick-up lines we have pickup trucks”…
Porn stars vs Rock stars? Who wins & why?!
Z: Rockstars by far some are assholes and take advantage of their fame but I still think it’s cooler to play rock music for a living.
Imagine that your girlfriend is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react?
Z: That wouldn’t happen because our records are more important than rings!
I think we’re done Zain! Thx for talking to Grande Rock! I wish you the best for the future to come. Close this interview in your own words. Take care!
Z: It’s been great thanks for having me pick up “New Southern” now it came out April 29th I am very proud to call that my first debut album it’s awesome and also come out to a live show sometime we have lots of tours coming up thanks everyone!